In an effort to support Atlanta-based students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Spike Lee has announced a game-changing fellowship program!
Spike Lee joined the Gersh Group for the AUCC effort
The A Black Man director in partnership with Gersh – an organization specializing in talent, literature, and production – to establish the Spike Fellows Program. Date reports that this initiative aims to support students within the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), which includes Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and Morehouse.
The Spike Fellows Program will begin later this month, and the first wave will consist of five graduate students. Through the Gersh Group, these lucky scholars will have access to postgraduate mentoring and internships. In addition, they will receive academic debt relief and full-time employment through the campaign.
As for who will run the program, Jayson Council – Gersh’s Head of Culture – will take on the job.
The Spike Fellows Program aims to bring diverse talent to the entertainment industry
Regarding this initiative, Spike described the opportunity as “a great honor,” especially since he is a graduate of Morehouse.
“It is a great honor, privilege and pleasure to announce the Spike Fellows in conjunction with my partners The Gersh Agency and the AUCC.”
In addition, Spike Lee noted that he has always been committed to “bringing as many Black and Brown people into the business as he can. Now, he is able to achieve this long-term goal.
“From the jump, from the beginning, I knew when (not if) I opened a crack in the door, that I was bringing so many Black and Brown people with me in front and behind the camera.”
Filmmaker Spike Lee has partnered with The Gersh Agency to create the Spike Fellows Program, a fellowship to support students at the Atlanta University Center Consortium of three Black Colleges and Universities. historical https://t.co/A8KjPGkf33
— Hollywood Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 12, 2023
Spike Lee Tries to Continue HBCU Legacy: ‘Deeds, Not Words’
Spike then looked back on his family’s experiences and shared that he experienced “firsthand” the power of HBCUs. In particular, his HBCU-educated elders “often” taught him the power to prioritize action over words.
“I am who I am because of my grandmother and my mother, who both graduated from Spelman College. I am who I am because of my grandfather and father, who both graduated from Morehouse. It was on the Spelman and Morehouse campuses that they met, fell in love, and married. As my elders often told me, “Actions, not words.”
Going to Council Jayson, another HBCU alum, noted that the program is a sign of Gersh and Spike’s “commitment to growth opportunities for AUCC graduates.”
“I joined Gersh to lead the charge in identifying powerful opportunities and signature moments to advance cultural competence and accelerate social impact. As an HBCU graduate, I am extremely proud of Gersh and Spike for their commitment to growth opportunities for AUCC graduates.”
Shout out to Spike Lee and The Gersh Agency for bringing this opportunity to HBCU students in Atlanta!
